Podcast #2 Reflection

I found that our second podcast did not trouble us as much as the first episode. This is most likely due to the knowledge we gained from our first experience. This time around, Ross and I knew what to expect and we readily prepared ourselves for the challenge. In this episode, we talk about how Mario Kart 8 can be a game for all ages, not just kids. We explored the various aspects of this game that not only appealed to the younger generation, but those of older generations as well. The chapter we decided to relate this game to was kitsch.

After reviewing the chapter in a similar fashion to the first podcast, Ross and I realized that this game was the definition of a kitsch game. All the traits of a kitsch game fit most aspects of the exciting, easy-to-play Mario Kart perfectly. What we did differently this time was that we dove right into creating a script. Compared to the procedure of our first podcast, we were way ahead in terms of preparation. Not to mention, we started prepping for this podcast a week before it was due. This extra time gave us room to think more creatively and critically about what exactly we wanted to get across to listeners. I think the fact that we had to relate a chapter of Ian Bogost’s book to this game made us appreciate the learning outcome, critical thinking and reading resulting in writing. Through analyzing information across multiple modes of learning, I came away with insights about which mode is more effective in explaining certain topics and how everything can be related.

One major change we integrated into this process was making an appointment with Professor Morgen. This helped immensely and we both regretted not scheduling a meeting with the professor for the first podcast. During this meeting, we fleshed out significant points that we needed to make sure to touch upon in our podcast. This initially gave us our overall conception of how this podcast was going to be structured.

This entire experience left a solid impression on me in terms of the variety of ways one can use to explore literary works. To be honest, I might prefer making podcasts to writing essays now..